A parent’s nightmare, the dreaded ‘birds and bees’ chat. This loving father steps up to the plate to answer the questions from his inquisitive daughter. He is nervous as he awkwardly navigates his way through an explanation. But, humorously, the circumstance changes at the end.
The FEEDBACK Monthly Film Festival is back for 2016.. Our home is The Carlton Cinemas, located in the heart of downtown Toronto at 20 Carlton Street. The event runs from 7pm to 9:10pm. Continuing to showcase the best of short films from around the world, while maintaining our audience feedback format moderated by Matthew Toffolo. Showcasing a festival every single month in 2016!
Tickets for 2016 are PAY WHAT YOU LIKE. Purchase your tickets online via Paypal or Credit Card. Tickets are first come first serve.
All proceeds to this month’s festival will be donated to festival cinema costs (suggestion $8 and up), which helps the monthly event. If you like to obtain seats in advance and pick them up on the day of the event (come for FREE, or make a donation), please email us at tickets@wildsound.ca and we’ll reserve seats for you.
You can pick up the tickets on the day of the event at the cinema. Tickets are first come, first serve. This festival has sold out 40 out of its last 42 events!
You will be able to buy alcohol (beer, wine, liquor), popcorn, candy, and refreshments before the show.
Here is the full program of films. Festival starts at 7pm sharp!
FIRST ACT PROGRAM – Family Festival
101 CUPCAKES, 13min, Australia, Family/Drama
Directed by Jane Eakin
Healing comes in many flavours. An uplifting story about love, death and the healing power of cooking.
CLICK HERE – and see full info and more pics of the film!
Myrto and Kimonas, an elderly childless couple have just lost their pet dog Lucy of natural causes. The events that will unfold the day they take their beloved pet to the vet will make them reconsider their relations and give them the opportunity to realise that nothing can substitute their love which, they now put to the test for whatever they have left…
CLICK HERE – and see full info and more pics of the film!
GHOSTBOY, 9min., UK, Animation/Comedy
Directed by Jonathan Brooks
An exciting tale of mystery, mayhem and friendship, ‘Ghostboy’ teaches the very important lesson to not judge a book by it’s cover…
CLICK HERE – and see full info and more pics of the film!
SECOND ACT PROGRAM – Under 5min. FAMILY Film Festival
AWESOME BEETLE’S COLORS, 3min, Latvia, Animation/Musical
Directed by Indra Sproge
The story goes : Awesome Beetles Color Dirty Elephant. Five Gorgeous Hippopotamuses Inspire the Jaguar. Kangaroos Like Marmelade. Naughty Octopusses Photograph the Queen. The Royal Spider Teaches an Unhappy Vampire. Wariors X-ray a Yellow Zebra. A nearly impossible story, supported by a catchy melody, guides us through the ABCs.
CLICK HERE – and see full info and more pics of the film!
INSIDE, 3min., Belguim, Animation/Comedy
Directed by Pepijn Claus
A story about a worm, a beetle and a very hungry bird…
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5476 Miles, 4min, UK, Animation/Music Video
Directed by Terry Thomas
A handmade paper stop motion music video that tells the story of a lonely starling waiting for love.
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SPARROW DUET, 4min, USA, Animation/Experimental
Directed by Steve Socki
Animated abstract shapes and gestures dance together playfully with bird-like motion. The original music score was composed and performed by Gary Chang
CLICK HERE – and see full info and more pics of the film!
A SMALL VOICE, 2min, UK, Animation/Drama
Directed by Michelle Brand
A shy young boy is confronted with the relentless demands of an overbearing adult forcing him to sing in front of a crowd. Vivid imagery conveys the child’s trauma as it helplessly stands facing the expectant onlookers, unable to sing through fear. Overwhelmed by the ordeal, the only alternative is to run away.
CLICK HERE – and see full info and more pics of the film!
A Belgian woman seeks citizenship in the United States, and finds that her experiences are bottomless.
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SEA OF INK, 3min, USA, Animation/Drama
Directed by Chenxin Yang
Sea of Ink is a two-minute animation about an artist struggling with his creative block and his journey under the sea.
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1916, 4min, UK, Animation/Drama
Directed by Oscar Lewis
An old man remembers the last time he saw his father, walking with him to the train station in rural England. This short film was made to mark the centenary of men with families being conscripted to the army in 1916 during WW1.
CLICK HERE – and see full info and more pics of the film!
TIME SMASH, 2min., USA, Animation/Sci-Fi
Directed by Benjamin Reicher
A time traveler goes back 2 weeks to stop himself from going to Cynthia’s new years party. Unfortunately, he brings his cat along and forgets to let him back into the machine when he returns to the present. The cat grabs onto the machine last second, becomes radioactive, and ends up in ancient Egypt. What the time traveler finds when he returns to the present is pretty messed up….
CLICK HERE – and see full info and more pics of the film!
JAILBREAK, 1min., USA, Animation/Crime
Directed by Alise Munson
Shot in black and white, “Jailbreak” follows the daring escape of a prisoner fleeing his cell and his quest for sweet punishment. The animated short from HouseSpecial Director Aaron Sorenson is a German Expressionist-inspired design mash-up of stop-motion and illustration � with a decidedly adult twist.
CLICK HERE – and see full info and more pics of the film!
The event runs from 7pm to 9:10pm on Thursday August 25, 2016
Playing at the best of Family/Animation FEEDBACK Short Film Festival on Thursday Aug. 25th. 7pm. Carlton Cinemas in downtown Toronto. Get your FREE Tickets today
INSIDE, 3min., Belguim, Animation/Comedy
Directed by Pepijn Claus
A story about a worm, a beetle and a very hungry bird…
Director’s Statement:
Film Type:Animation, Short, Student
Genres:Comedy, Cartoon, Animals
Runtime:3 minutes 19 seconds
Completion Date:September 10, 2015
Production Budget:1,200 EUR
Country of Origin:Belgium
Country of Filming:Belgium
Aspect Ratio:16:4
Film Color:Color
First-time Filmmaker:Yes
Student Project:Yes
WATCH PAST FILM FESTIVAL EVENTS and the FEEDBACK VIDEOS of EACH SELECTED FILM
Rebecca, 12 years old, learns that her Uncle Wallace, a cattle baron from Texas, is coming to visit. Rebecca doesn’t like her uncle and her only hope is that he will bring her a birthstone ring like the one he bought for her cousin the year before. After dinner, Uncle Wallace gives Rebecca her gift: a blue dress once owned by his wife Vera who has remained in Texas. When Rebecca’s mother asks her to try on the dress, Rebecca, bitterly disappointed, runs to her room in tears.
Rebecca soon suspects that her father and Uncle Wallace have reached an agreement that she won’t like. When her suspicions become true, Rebecca finds a way to exact a fitting revenge in return for the adults’ betrayal.
2. Why should this screenplay be made into a movie?
With the classic theme of a child against adults, this film can be enjoyed by preteens to eighty year olds. The central character of the child is not the usual heroine. The childish perspective of Rebecca contrasts with the reality facing the adults. The number of characters is limited to five; most of the action takes place in a house, its porch, and front yard. A street sidewalk is the only other location. The short story takes place just after WWII in Montreal, but this time frame can be pushed up 10-20 years, if necessary; the location can be moved to the US. A new car from the period is the main object that much reflect the period.
3. How would you describe this script in two words?
Outwitting adults.
4. What movie have you seen the most times in your life?
It’s hard to say. It’s a toss-up between Psycho, Citizen Kane, Wizard of Oz, and North by Northwest. All the while I’m watching, I’m telling myself, “You’ve seen this hundred times. You know every scene and most of the dialogue. Go do something else.” But I can’t tear myself away.
5. How long have you been working on this screenplay?
I’ve been working on this screenplay off and on for six months.
6. How many stories have you written?
I’ve written about 20 stories and a novel, published last year, called Echo from Mount Royal
7. What motivated you to write this screenplay?
I wanted to try my hand at writing a screenplay. My short story called The Blue Dress seemed to offer a good combination of dialogue and conflict. I was also intrigued by the young girl who struggles against the adults. Her perspective offered the opportunity to combine humor with sympathy. Her relationship with her mother vs her father undergoes a reversal that provides a satisfying conclusion.
8. What obstacles did you face to finish this screenplay?
Adapting a short story taught me how to externalize the interior thoughts of the characters. For example, the friend, Jackie, was created to help us understand, more clearly, the motivations of Rebecca. Several scenes of backstory in the prose work was dropped for time reasons and to make the plot line more streamlined. The criticism I received from the judge at the festival pertained to the length of time before the uncle arrives at Rebecca’s home. His arrival propels the plot into Act Two and must come sooner. Act One of the screenplay was shortened by 25% in the next revision.
9. Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?
My wife and I enjoy travelling throughout the world. I enjoy gardening and spending time with our grandchildren. Reading is the center of my life.
10. What influenced you to enter the festival? What were your feelings on the initial feedback you received?
I joined FilmFreeway and began searching for festivals that accepted short screenplays. I chose this festival because I got a down-to-earth vibe from the website. I expect that hearing the screenplay will help me hear what dialogue works and what doesn’t. Also the judge’s criticism was exactly what had to be changed.
11. Any advice or tips you’d like to pass on to other writers?
Join a critique group where you have the opportunity to workshop your script. Revise the script over and over to tighten the dialogue. Try to find place where a single word or sentence or action defines a character. Watch lots of films and study screenplays to see how professionals solve the problems we all face.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, 2001 Movie Reviews
Directed by Chris Columbus
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Richard Harris, Alan Rickman, Maggie Smith, Robbie Coltrane, Ian Hart Review by Emma Hutchings
SYNOPSIS:On his 11th birthday, Harry Potter is told he is a wizard and is invited to study at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. There he discovers that a dark power is attempting to rise again, the one responsible for the death of his parents and the lightning bolt scar on his forehead.
OSCAR NOMINEE for Best Art Direction – Set Direction, Best Costume Design, Best Music, Original Score
REVIEW:
Deposited on his Aunt and Uncle’s doorstep as a baby after the death of his parents, we revisit young Harry Potter aged 10 to discover he has lived a miserable life so far. He lives in a cupboard under the stairs and is badly mistreated. One day he surprisingly receives a letter but his Uncle doesn’t let him read it. This turns out to be a mistake, when, as the days go by, more and more letters arrive addressed to Harry. They are delivered by a large number of owls, who perch happily in front of the house, no doubt causing a few raised eyebrows in this little suburban neighbourhood.
The situation becomes so dire that Harry’s Uncle Vernon decides to uproot the family to a hut on a small island, hoping that will deter the sender of the letters. However, in the middle of the night, a half-giant named Hagrid bursts in and personally hands Harry his letter to read; he has been invited to study magic at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Leaving with Hagrid, Harry goes to Diagon Alley and withdraws some money his parents left him at Gringotts, a bank run by goblins, to purchase his supplies for school. He soon realises that in the wizarding world he is quite the celebrity.
The adult cast is a who’s who of British acting talent, giving the film an added bonus for grown-up viewers. They aren’t just clumsily thrown in either, they fit their roles perfectly. I for one can’t imagine anyone else playing Professor Snape; Alan Rickman does a brilliant job and for this film J.K. Rowling provided him with vital details of his character’s back story not revealed to readers until the final novel. As well as the main cast, there are also some big names in small roles: John Hurt plays wand-maker Mr Ollivander, John Cleese plays Nearly Headless Nick and Julie Walters plays Mrs Weasley.Harry Potter is a worldwide phenomenon. Understandably, the expectation for this first film in the series was huge and the pressure on the filmmakers to create a faithful adaptation for the fans was enormous. They didn’t disappoint. By February 2002 it was the second highest grossing film worldwide after Titanic. From watching the film you can tell that those involve care about telling the story. It is ideal for fans of the book who want to see their favourite scenes played out on screen.Once at Hogwarts, Harry uncovers a dark plot. The evil wizard who murdered his parents but lost his powers whilst trying to kill Harry as a child (leaving him with his scar) is attempting to restore himself to full strength. There is a valuable item he needs hidden at Hogwarts and a disciple there is determined to obtain it. Harry and his friends, Ron and Hermione, try to uncover the identity of this person while also trying to find out what the item is and where it is being kept so they can get to it first.
Oddly enough, I feel the film’s biggest weakness is that it is a very faithful adaptation. Although movies and books do have a close connection, they are still very different types of media and the best way to adapt a novel for the big screen isn’t necessarily to loyally translate it. Doing so means the director doesn’t use any of his own imagination or try to make his mark on the film. However, this almost certainly won’t affect children’s enjoyment and even most adult’s.
Overall, it is a very enjoyable fantasy adventure for all the family. The three child leads aren’t great (they can sometimes be seen mouthing each other’s lines, among other things) but you can tell there is potential for them to grow and develop as the films continue. And what better place to learn the art than surrounded by a vast number of talented elders in a celebrated film series that already has a huge army of fans
101 CUPCAKES, 13min, Australia, Family/Drama
NOVEL Prologue – THE ACE OF KINGS 
LUCY, 16min, Greece, Family/Drama
GHOSTBOY, 9min., UK, Animation/Comedy
AWESOME BEETLE’S COLORS, 3min, Latvia, Animation/Musical
5476 Miles, 4min, UK, Animation/Music Video
SPARROW DUET, 4min, USA, Animation/Experimental
A SMALL VOICE, 2min, UK, Animation/Drama
BOTTOMLESS, 2min, USA, Animation/Biography
SEA OF INK, 3min, USA, Animation/Drama
1916, 4min, UK, Animation/Drama
TIME SMASH, 2min., USA, Animation/Sci-Fi
SUBMIT your Short Screenplay or TV SPEC Script
SUBMIT your Short Screenplay or FEATURE Script
FIRST SCENE (first 10pgs) SCREENPLAY CONTEST
I LIKE YOU, 2min, Italy, Drama/Romance
SILENCE, 3min, Russia, Romance/Drama
SHORT STORY – DESPITE DEMENTIA
FAN FICTION Screenplay – STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE
SHORT Screenplay – THE BLUE DRESS
SHORT Screenplay – THE FACTS OF LIFE
BEST SCENE Screenplay – DUE SOUTH
SHORT STORY – LEFT ON LUNDY
SHORT STORY – TALKING YEOW
Short Story Reading – MAMA’S PURFECT DAY
Best Scene Screenplay – SEED OF THE WOMAN
JACK IS PRETTY, 26min, USA, Fantasy/Family
TV PILOT Screenplay – WILD MAGIC
Short Story Reading – DESTINY OF JOY
Short Story Reading – CULT FAN
1Minute Nature
Short Screenplay – CARRION
1st Ch. Novel Transcript – TJ’S LAST SUMMER IN CAPE COD
Short Story Reading – AFTERNOON CABARET 
Short Story Reading – MR “NAUGHTY” BECOMES MR “NICE”
Short Story Reading – THROWING KIDS
Short Story Reading – TEARS FOR MY BABY SISTER
Short Story Reading – TOGETHER AND SEPARATE
FESTIVAL for FAMILY 